CHAPTER 82: IMPERIOUSNESS

Cai Xiaojing had been unsure of Cheng Anya’s intention until Han Bi and Linda arrived. Then she finally understood what Cheng Anya was planning. Han Bi was wearing a black V-neck dress, her long hair cascading down, adorned with a Cartier ruby necklace. On her wrist was a designer watch she endorsed, along with a gemstone bracelet, making her look beautiful, elegant, and regal.

She had initially worn a smile, but upon seeing Wen Nuan also present and so elaborately dressed, she paused slightly. Her smile visibly faltered, but she regained her composure quickly. Displeasure and confusion flashed across her face before she returned to a calm, customary smile.

Cai Xiaojing stood up. Linda’s eyes showed displeasure. Why were they also present?

Ever since learning about the preparation for filming "Lady Liang Hongyu," Han Bi had been eager to take on the role. Unfortunately, Ye Feimo had long since made it clear that since she had been driven out of Anning International by Cheng Anya, he would never use her in any film Anning International invested in.

If she truly wanted to film "Lady Liang Hongyu," she had to get Cheng Anya’s nod of approval.

Linda had analyzed the pros and cons of Han Bi starring in the film for Ye Feimo, but Ye Feimo had merely smiled coldly. Having been in business for so many years, did he still need her to remind him how to make money?

Upon hearing this, Linda dared not speak further.

She had received internal news that Ye Yan was indeed cast as the male lead in "Lady Liang Hongyu." She very much wanted Han Bi to take this role, so she urged Han Bi to build a good relationship with Cheng Anya.

The last time Cheng Anya called Linda, wanting to see Han Bi, Han Bi happened to be busy, so Linda hung up. When she called back later, Cheng Anya didn’t answer.

They were persistent and called many times. Cheng Anya finally agreed to answer the phone and arranged to meet them at the top-floor cafe of Milan Spring tonight.

Linda and Han Bi both thought that Cheng Anya had relented.

They hadn’t expected to see Cai Xiaojing and Wen Nuan here.

Upon seeing Han Bi, Wen Nuan stood up, smiled, and nodded in greeting. "Hello, Miss Han!"

"Hello, Miss Wen." Han Bi offered a reserved smile and gracefully approached, smiling as she greeted Cheng Anya and Xu Nuo. Cheng Anya’s expression was indifferent as she gestured for her to sit down. Cai Xiaojing and Linda, knowing they had things to discuss, stood a distance away.

Wen Nuan was puzzled. Why would Cheng Anya want her present when meeting Han Bi?

It was truly strange.

A waiter brought a cup of coffee. Cheng Anya saw that Wen Nuan’s coffee cup was empty and asked for another cup to be added.

"Han Bi, you called so urgently. What is it you wanted to see me about?" Cheng Anya asked in a tone that was neither warm nor cold, yet her words carried a condescending air. This kind of Cheng Anya was unfamiliar to Wen Nuan.

She had thought Cheng Anya was always gentle, generous, noble, and kind.

It turned out she also had such an imperious side.

Han Bi didn’t mind and simply smiled amiably, looking at Wen Nuan. "Madam Ye, I have serious business to discuss with you tonight. Could Miss Wen please excuse us for a moment?"

Even with her current status, if she wanted to discuss a film or ask for a role with Cheng Anya, Cheng Anya would definitely make things difficult for her. She had no power to fight back in front of Cheng Anya. She didn’t want Wen Nuan to see this side of her and become a laughingstock.

Cheng Anya pursed her lips and smiled freely, looking at Han Bi with a hint of disdain, as if she had said something ridiculous. Han Bi felt extremely uncomfortable under her gaze. Xu Nuo said, "Han Bi, my mom only had time to see you today because she had already arranged to have coffee with me and Wen Nuan. If you want to talk to her about something, why should Wen Nuan excuse herself? Should I excuse myself too?"

Xu Nuo was used to being in the anti-terrorism organization, and her tone carried even more command and imperiousness than Cheng Anya’s. Coupled with her cold tone, it felt like being surrounded by ice, creating even greater pressure.

Wen Nuan was an intelligent and perceptive girl. Seeing the situation, she immediately understood what was happening. Her responsibility was to lower her head, drink her coffee, and watch the show. The rest had nothing to do with her.

Hmm, watching dramas and gossip was what she was most interested in.

Wen Nuan’s mournful face, pale with hunger, suddenly became excited. Her captivating peach blossom eyes brightened. Cheng Anya smiled inwardly. Wen Nuan must be a very good silent film actress.

"I didn’t mean that." Seeing Xu Nuo making things difficult for her, Han Bi hurriedly explained. How could she dare ask Xu Nuo to leave? The relationship between Cheng Anya and her daughter-in-law Xu Nuo was particularly good. It was said that the eldest young master of the Ye family often disappeared with his camera, and he didn’t appear as often as his wife. Therefore, Xu Nuo and Cheng Anya had a particularly harmonious relationship.

Besides, she was the daughter-in-law of Anning International. How could she possibly ask Xu Nuo to leave?

Xu Nuo smiled faintly. "Since that’s the case, then let’s talk business. Since I don’t need to leave, Wen Nuan naturally doesn’t need to leave either. Like me, she’s also a daughter-in-law of Anning International. What is there to avoid?"

Han Bi’s face instantly turned pale, and she turned her head to look at Wen Nuan.

"Cough cough..." Wen Nuan choked on her coffee and hurriedly grabbed a tissue to wipe away the spilled coffee. Fortunately, it didn’t splash onto her evening gown. This dress was rented, and if she stained it, Xiaojing-jie would definitely twist her ears.

Daughter-in-law...

When did she become a daughter-in-law of Anning International?

This news could definitely scare someone to death. She felt that Xu Nuo’s personality was particularly suited for telling cold jokes. She had a great sense of dry humor. She was already a calm person, but she hadn’t expected to be so shocked by her words that she would choke.

Next time, at least give a friendly warning before dropping a bombshell.

For some reason, the image of Ye Feimo in a groom’s suit, standing at the altar waiting for her, the bride in a white veil, to approach step by step, flashed in Wen Nuan’s mind. But halfway there, she lifted her wedding dress, turned her head, and ran away in a flash.

Marriage was the most terrifying thing.

Especially marriage with the Ye Feimo in front of her, it would definitely give her a heart attack.

Cai Xiaojing covered her face. Wen Nuan, you silly girl, can’t you be more calm? You got scared by such a small piece of news. So embarrassing.

Xu Nuo and Cheng Anya also looked at Wen Nuan. Her reaction was completely within Cheng Anya’s expectations. What she was more curious about now was how Wen Nuan would explain her choking.

She was a smart girl and definitely wouldn’t expose Xu Nuo at this time, and Han Bi wasn’t someone easy to fool either.

Seeing everyone’s eyes on her, Wen Nuan lowered her peach blossom eyes slightly and nonchalantly put down her coffee. "This coffee is so bitter. Feimo has been liking instant sweet coffee lately, and so have I. I’m not used to such bitter coffee."

Xu Nuo expressionlessly raised her hand and asked for a cup of milk and a can of sugar. Wen Nuan lowered her head. Her etiquette lessons hadn’t been for nothing. She gracefully and silently added milk and sugar.